Externally Set Assignment

The Externally Set Assignment (ESA) is the culmination of your Pearson A-Level Art and Design course, accounting for 40% of your final grade. This component challenges you to respond to a theme or stimulus set by the exam board, demonstrating your ability to independently research, develop, and realize a personal creative journey. Over a preparatory period (typically from February) and a 15-hour supervised exam, you will produce a portfolio of work and a final outcome that showcases your skills in investigation, experimentation, and critical reflection.

The ESA is designed to test your ability to work autonomously, synthesizing the knowledge and techniques you've developed throughout the course. It mirrors professional art practice, where artists respond to briefs or themes. Success here requires not just technical skill but also conceptual depth—the ability to connect your ideas to historical and contemporary art contexts. This assignment is your opportunity to demonstrate a sustained, personal investigation that leads to a resolved piece, proving your readiness for further study or creative careers.

In the wider subject, the ESA integrates all four assessment objectives (AOs): developing ideas through investigations (AO1), experimenting with media and processes (AO2), recording observations and insights (AO3), and presenting a personal, informed response (AO4). It's the final test of your ability to manage a project from start to finish, making it essential for achieving top grades. Understanding the ESA's structure and expectations is key to maximizing your marks and producing work that truly reflects your artistic voice.